PNF Strengthening and De-lorme and Watkins Exercises on Upper Extremity Function and Strength in Stroke Patients

Comparative Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Strengthening Exercises and De-lorme and Watkins Exercises Program on Upper Limb Function and Strength in Chronic Stroke Patients

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation strengthening exercises and de-Lorme and Watkins exercises program in stroke patients with upper limb weakness in chronic stroke patients. The randomized central trial will recruit patients according to consecutive sampling into two intervention groups. One group will receive proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation strengthening exercises and other group will receive de-Lorme and Watkins exercises program.

A study in which the participants (n=26) were recruited in the study suffering from stroke and meeting the inclusion criteria. Two groups formed such that patients in group A will be treated with conventional therapy and PNF and group B will be treated with PNF and NMES in along with conventional therapy. The protocol will cover 6 weeks of treatment. Regular assessment at 0,3rd and 6th week will be carried out. In the rehabilitation period, we will evaluate upper extremity function, activities of daily living(ADLs), mental status examination at regular interval during the rehabilitation.In previous studies there is less literature regarding the combine effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques and de-Lorme and Watkins exercise program on upper limb function and strength in chronic stroke patients with upper limb weakness. Therefore there is dire need to explore which training technique is most effective in improving upper limb function and strength in chronic stroke patients therefore this study aims in comparative effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation strengthening exercises and de-Lorme and Watkins exercise program on upper limb function and strength in chronic stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic stroke patients.
• Medically stable patients having a single stroke.
• History of stroke 6 to 24 months.
• A score greater than 24-30 in mini-mental test.
• Patients having consciousness with GC;10

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recurrent stroke
• Patients with gullian berrie syndrome, multiple sclerosis lesion osteoarthritis of shoulder.
• Manual muscle testing below grade II.